I wonder if you might help me. I'm new to the Tendai world (not as much to Buddhism--I've had a long and winding path if anyone ever has a free few hours at some point) but there seems to be little, if anything, in the UK. Tendai doesn't even get a mention at the Buddhist Society (Pureland only gets a look-in once a month or so there). Does anyone know if there is a Tendai group in London?

Second question, and this is a doozey: I am in search of a teacher. This has had to take a sort of a side-burner in the lead up to my exams, but I would like to find either a Tendai or Pureland (Jodo Shinshu) teacher somewhat nearby. That therefore leads to the big question and a subquestion: What would you do if you were looking for a teacher (I direct that especially to people with happy relationships with a teacher)? Also, can anyone who does have a teacher in this general vicinity and who likes them share with me?

There is, as far as I know, no Tendai sangha in London. I attend a small, private sangha which is, as far as I know, the only one in the whole of the UK. As we are small, and we meet in the private residence of our teacher, we have very little fascilities and can't offer any kind of correspondence teaching, nor retreats. The next best thing would be to speak to Shomon, who is a Tendai priest in Denmark. She holds retreats twice a year and has an on-line course http://www.tendai.eu/.It is sad to say, that if you are looking for a close teacher-student relationship, Tendai might not be the best thing for you at this moment in time. Hopefully, as Tendai grows in the UK more and more sanghas will open up.The biggy would be for you to train in America http://www.tendai.org/ and become a priest

As you have noted, there is precious little in the UK and the west at large with regards to Tendai. This forum holds links to various books, websites and blogs that can help you.

Personally, it has taken me roughly 7 years to find a teacher (although, I was never really "searching" for one). So, these things do take time. If Tendai is what you are interested in, people like Jikan (on this board), Shomon and myself can give you pointers.

tristan wrote:What would you do if you were looking for a teacher (I direct that especially to people with happy relationships with a teacher)? Also, can anyone who does have a teacher in this general vicinity and who likes them share with me?

Thank you!

Hi Tristan,

Seishin's advice is very good. I'm going to tackle your question in a general way; shoot me a PM if you have any particular questions.

What to do? Build a connection with the teaching through your study, labors, and aspirations. Keep the aspiration going on a daily basis that you find a teacher and a sangha that you can work with and learn from. Correspond with teachers in the Tendai school, or Jodo-shu or Jodo Shin-shu, and see what comes of it. Repeat the Bodhisattva Vows on a daily basis; reflect on the teachings; try your best. It also helps to visit discussion boards like DharmaWheel, because you never know who might be lurking.

Thanks guys for quick and thorough and encouraging responses! It is sad that the schools of Buddhism to which I feel drawn, after much faffing about, are the rarer ones--but that seems to be how I go with most things ( ).

I'll contact Shomon and keep y'all under my toupe for questions as I go along

Thanks again! I'm going to explore the forums a bit more (as my little study break of the hour. Exams begin on Tuesday in London's universities.)